Hours before he was sworn in as Jersey City's 49th mayor last night, Jersey City Mayor-elect Steven Fulop received the blessings of 17 ministers.

More than 300 worshippers filled the pews at Mount Pisgah AME Church on Forrest Street yesterday afternoon for an interfaith prayer service celebrating the new mayor.

Fulop was greeted with a rousing rendition by the choir of “This Little Light of Mine.”

The religious leaders represented the Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Islamic faiths. In keeping with the Buddhist tradition, a metal bowl known as a “singing bowl” was struck with a mallet before and after each of the prayers.

Fulop, who was officially sworn in at midnight last night at City Hall and will be publicly sworn in today at 6 p.m., told the congregation that he has grown in his respect for various people and faiths, including his own Jewish heritage, since taking office eight years ago.

“Over half of my family was in a gas chamber,” Fulop said yesterday.

Today, the council will hold its reorganization meeting at 1 p.m.

A block party will be held in front of City Hall from 4 to 8 p.m.

Gov. Chris Christie and U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez are scheduled to speak at the public swearing-in.